He had been an assistant baseball coach at two colleges for 11 years when the opportunity for a promotion arose.

Rick Smith of Raynham started out as a pitching coach at Stonehill College in 1983, then moved to what was Bridgewater State College to work with former high school teammate Glenn Tufts in 1990.

Following the 1993 season, Tufts became a minor league manager in the San Francisco Giants’ system, leaving the Bears in need of a head coach.

After four seasons at Bridgewater State, Smith was the logical choice to take over the position.

“(Former director of athletics) John Harper was the one who said, ‘You’ve got to do this,’’’ said Smith, “and I said, ‘OK, I’ll do it.’’’

Now in his 21st season coaching the Bears, Smith was the perfect pick to replace Tufts.

Bridgewater State University has been a consistent winner under Smith, compiling at least 20 wins 17 times and making 10 NCAA Division 3 tournaments.

And on Monday morning at legendary Dodgertown in Vero Beach, Fla., Smith reached an impressive milestone in his coaching career.

When BSU defeated Penn State Beaver, 2-1, at Holman Stadium, it was Smith’s 500th victory, coming at the start of his 21st season.

“It’s been a long time,’’ said Smith, whose team is 2-2 in Florida. “It’s nice. It’s 500. The number is a number, to be honest with you.

“My biggest thing is having had the privilege of being able to watch these kids come in as kids at 18 years old and leave as men. The players I’ve coached over the years, it’s remarkable.

“And now, to see them out in real life doing things is just phenomenal. To know that you were part of it, it’s a big thing.’’

Smith, the winningest coach in any sport at BSU, is 500-273-5 after the Bears lost on Monday afternoon to Penn State-Greater Allegheny, 8-3.

He brought BSU to the College World Series in back-to-back years, finishing third in 1996, and the Bears are constant contenders in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference.

Smith, who runs MD Cabinetry of Raynham, is a part-time coach with a staff that includes Josh White, Matt Poitras and Lou Colitti.

“I remember Kevin O’Leary pitching in the College World Series in 1996, and after we beat Marietta, they had a press conference after the game,’’ said Smith, who was chosen by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1972 draft. “Someone said to me, ‘How’s it feel to beat the No. 1 team in the nation?’

Page 2 of 2 - “I was like, ‘To be honest, I sell cabinets for a living.’ Everybody was in shock and said, ‘You’re not a full-time head coach?’ I said, ‘My business partner (Bobby Wooster) is one of my assistants. This is what we do to enjoy ourselves and have fun.’’’

Smith has had a lot of fun coaching BSU throughout the years and has the 500 wins to prove that point.

“Getting 500 is special,’’said Smith, who is engaged to marry Leah Prata. “I’ve got all the baseballs at home from 100 all the way up. When I see the names on the teams, it just brings back unbelievable fond memories.

“My daughters (16-year-old Ariana and 14-year-old Sydney) grew up watching Bridgewater State baseball and enjoy seeing the graduates come to the house to visit.’’

Halfway to 1,000 wins, Smith said he won’t be coaching long enough to hit that milestone, but he is ready to stay on the bench a few more seasons.

“I hope I decide to retire before they want me to leave,’’ said Smith. “I want to retire when they want me to stay.

“I’ll coach a couple of more years, maybe. I don’t know. We’ve got a new administration that is really gung-ho about making things happen.

“We were trying very hard to put out a product that everybody can be proud of. It looks as if there’s not going to be any slip between John Harper and (new director of athletics) Marybeth (Lamb) as far as what they want.’’

Jim Fenton may be reached at jfenton@enterprisenews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JFenton_ent.